Physical Therapy Internships in Ireland

Physical therapy is known as physiotherapy in Ireland. So here, a chartered physiotherapist holds (at minimum) a four-year degree that is recognised by World Confederation of Physical Therapy.

Physio intern Colin in his clinic

A placement alongside a physiotherapist in Ireland gives you the chance to see a range of treatment methods applied, including exercise, manipulation, mobilisation, massage and electrotherapy.

You’ll be following and organizing treatment plans, instructing patients in exercise therapy and mobility aids, monitoring and reporting patient progress, and adjusting equipment to meet patient needs. You’ll see and learn the communication skills to encourage, challenge and motivate patients.

Interns may observe and assist with caring for patients in rehabilitation centers, children and adults with disabilities, or those suffering from sport injuries.

It’s an invaluable way to apply your studies to a real clinical setting, learn best practices in a hands-on way, and to experience another country’s health system and policies.

Colin’s Story

Colin Turner from Colby Sawyer College in New Hampshiredid a Physical Therapy Internship in 2017

“In my physical therapy internship, or physiotherapy as they call it here, I was able to view and assist in the treatment of patients. While assisting the physiotherapists I used what I had learned in college, essentially for the first time, in a clinical setting. This varies from what I would be able to do in the United States as there are slightly different laws here regarding hands-on experience in medical settings before acquiring a certification.

Colin at the Cliffs of Moher

Everyone at the physiotherapy clinic was wonderful and answered any question I had, which greatly enhanced the learning experience. This experience also gave me an interesting and useful perspective on healthcare systems in other countries outside of my own and how they operate.

Ireland is beautiful and I spent most of my free time exploring whatever I could. With the help of Learn International, I was able to visit beautiful places such as Glendalough, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Wicklow Mountains, while also visiting the cities of Dublin and Galway. For the entire time I was there I really was immersed in the culture and was able to do everything I had hoped to do while in Ireland.

Learn International worked tirelessly to make me as comfortable and happy as possible in a place very new to me. Whether it was finding me the perfect placement or even helping me do the simpler things such as catching a bus, they were there with me every step of the way. My time in Ireland has been incredible. I had set high expectations for this internship experience and I am happy to say that even those expectations were exceeded.”

Scholarships

We’re delighted to offer three scholarships a year of up to €500 per student, thatare deducted off the final payment.

Scholarship applications can be submitted as part of the general internship application. You must have a 3.0 GPA to apply. The scholarship section has two parts: a one-page essay about how the placement will contribute to your academic and career goals, and a choice of how you might record your internship experience (with a blog, video or social media updates).

Click ‘apply now’ to go to our online application portal.

Where will I live?

We match students with a local family near their placement that’ll create a home-away-from-home for them. Living with a family immerses students in Irish life, culture, and customs. Not to mention the cooking!

When do I apply?

The application deadline is based on when you’re available to intern.

Applications must be received at least 12 weeks before your intended start date.

Available start dates are as follows:

January 15, 2018
February 5, 2018
March 12, 2018
April 9, 2018
May 21, 2018
June 11, 2018
July 9, 2018
August 13, 2018
September 10, 2018
October 1, 2018
November 5, 2018
December 2018 (on request)